Hamrlik Out Today vs. Caps
Andrew Gross at the Bergen Record reports that Roman Hamrlik will be a healthy scratch today vs. his former team the Washington Capitals because of John Tortorella's concern about his conditioning...
“He’s got to get in shape. We had a back to back and now we’re playing three in not even four (days). He’s got to get some conditioning for him to be effective.”
Here's Hamrlik on missing the game against his ex-mates...
“I’m not playing tomorrow, hopefully, we’re going to get two points,” Hamrlik said. “And it’s going to be an intense game because last year I was with Washington playing in the playoffs against my (new) team. They’re playing much better hockey right now. We have to have a good start and stay out of the (penalty) box. They have good players on the power play like (Mike) Ribeiro and (Alex) Ovechkin.
“I’m just sad I’m not playing but I have to work on my conditioning.”
...while I don't disagree that Hamrlik needs to get into shape, I'm surprised to see him scratched after Torts specifically pointed out after the Islanders game how he can get by with savvy.
In other line-up news, Arron Asham says tells reader Thetis K. on Twitter that his back spasms are feeling better and he hopes to be back soon.
...i've never had back spasms before, but I guess they can be very disabling. Can believe he's been out this long. He better watch his back because Haley's been a bit of a spark plug in his three games since his call-up.
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@KevinDeLury @coontzbloontz sounds like Boyle practiced on 4th line and bicks was back on D. Hopefully bicks sits and Gilroy gets the call.
@JMK8363 @KevinDeLury @coontzbloontz AGreed. Line-up is much better with Boyle in there ahead of Bickel. It allows Torts to roll four lines. Not that he will.
@KevinDeLury @coontzbloontz hopefully the benching worked and he shows up, but regardless at least he can take a face off and as much as I like Bicks standing up for his teammates he does nothing positive for the team riding the pine!
I'm disappointed that Hamrlik won't face is former team. Perhaps he could have been a difference maker, just from pure motivation to do well.
Back spasms can be incredibly painful. That's why, as much as I don't like asham, I can't hold it against him. It's like someone is stabbing you over and over and the only way to stop it is muscle relaxers which basically turn you into a potato.
@TheNYRBlog The right move by Torts. He looks rusty. No doubt. Haley. Like this guy.
Hamrlik sitting incited a riot between players at the World Baseball Classic? Hockey really is International.
Apparently Mr. Hamrlik didn't watch his former team's performance yesterday out on the island. Playing better? I've never seen a more disinterested bunch.
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Even with bad conditioning he should still be as effective as bicks for 5min or less... A couple if shifts a period to help spell the top two pairings... Without him it's not like the third pair will see much ice! As for ash I feel his pain back issues are killer, but although he surprised me with his play he has underwhelmed with his toughness and the fact he's rarely playing... I agree there's some toughness with Haley and at the whale - time to send ash packing and free up a spot for Zucc!!!
